Show problems in the root of a tooth, such as infection or death of the nerve

Help your dentist plan, prepare and place tooth implants, braces, dentures or other dental work

Look for other problems, such as cysts, cancer or changes caused by diseases of the body

For children and teens, X-rays are used to find decay and damage to fillings, and to monitor tooth growth and development. They are also used to:

Check on whether permanent teeth are developing and coming in properly

See if any teeth are impacted (unable to come through the gums)

Help the dentist plan, prepare and place braces

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X-RAYS

Overview

X-rays, also known as radiographs, are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but they can also be preventive, by helping a dentist diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient’s mouth before they become a major problem.

What X-RAYS Show

Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of radiograph taken in dentistry. They give a high level of detail of the tooth, bone and supporting tissues of the mouth. These X-rays allow dentists to:

Find cavities

Look at the tooth roots

Check the health of the bony area around the tooth

Help diagnose periodontal disease

See the status of developing teeth

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X-RAY Procedure

X-rays are typically performed in the office of a dentist or dental specialist. Here is what to expect:

Preparation – first a dental professional will cover you with a heavy lead apron to protect your body from the radiation. Next the dental professional will insert a small apparatus, made of plastic, into your mouth and ask you to bite down on it.

Execution – the technician will then proceed to take an X-ray picture of the targeted area. This process is pain-free and will be repeated until images have been obtained for your entire mouth.